Operation Friction 1990-1991: The Canadian Forces in the Persian Gulf

Operation Friction gives one of only two histories of Canada's contribution to the Gulf War that I have seen (the other being The Persian Excursion). Gimblett's book is obviously the work of a professional historian, lacking the flash of the journalist, but solid, reliable and easily read. Although Gimblett does recount the story of the two fighter squadrons based in Bahrain and Qatar during the conflict, and the ground troops on garrison duty, it becomes fairly clear that Canada's major contribution to the Gulf war was in the Gulf itself -- the three ships (One destroyer, one frigate and one supply vessel)that hurriedly sailed from port after Canada threw its hat in the game. Canada's contribution mirrored its efforts in the Second World War -- an escort navy. In the lower and Central Gulf, the destroyer Athabasca and the very old frigate Terra Nova sheparded Coalition supply vessels safely to Saudi harbours, while stopping and boarding dozens of suspect ships heading to Iraqi harbour terminals. The Protecteur, the supply ship, was kept at sea for great lengths as she was always in need by the other Coalition ships. Eventually Canadian ships took over the leadership of convoy duties in the central Gulf, while Athabasca braved the minefields that had badly damaged the USS Princeton to escort the American missile cruiser south to safety. Canada only played a limited offensive role in the war (using it's CF-18 fighter-bombers in the last couple of days), but its forces were there throughout Desert Storm and Desert Shield. She played a valuable, if not spectacular role in the Kuwait crisis and Gimblett has done a very creditable job.